Vincent Kompany has landed his first managerial job in English football, taking over at Burnley.
As a player, the Belgian became a club legend at Manchester City, where he spent 11 trophy-laden years. Such was his legacy that the club even unveiled a statue of him last year.
But now he has to prove himself in the dugout as he takes over the relegated Clarets. His appointment signals a fresh start for the club after a return to the Championship and just two months since the controversial axing of long-time boss Sean Dyche.
The spotlight will quickly fix itself on Kompany's recruitment and one avenue that may instantly appeal is the loan route - specifically via his contacts at former club City. Here, Mirror Football runs the rule over five youngsters who could be sent out on loan to Turf Moor next term.
Gavin Bazunu
Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Bazunu has impressed hugely in two separate loan spells so far. He played 29 times for Rochdale in the 2020-21 season but really caught the eye last term with Portsmouth, also in League One.
He racked up 16 clean sheets for Pompey - only two stoppers recorded more last season - and he is already into double figures for Ireland caps.
Whilst he has been tentatively linked with a move to a Premier League side, surely a loan to a Championship outfit would be the next logical step - plus Burnley are likely to be in need of goalkeeping cover given Nick Pope is almost certain to leave this summer.
Taylor Harwood-Bellis
Central defender Harwood-Bellis spent the first half of last season playing under former City captain Kompany at Anderlecht. He made 16 appearances in total before a third loan spell of his career followed during the second half of the campaign, with Stoke (after having spent time at Blackburn in 2021).
A chance to reunite with his old boss would make sense, if only for a half-season loan initially. Harwood-Bellis clearly has fans in the England set-up and is now a regular for the Under-21 side. Additionally, the departures of Ben Mee and James Tarkowski leaves the Clarets short at centre-back.
Cole Palmer
The 20-year-old attacker made his breakthrough at City last season, featuring 11 times in all competitions and scoring three goals, including a first-ever in the Champions League.
Injuries limited his chances after February and the short-term plan for him remains unclear. With Julian Alvarez and Erling Haaland joining an already stellar cast of forwards at the Etihad, a loan switch to Turf Moor may well tick all the boxes.
Which Manchester City players could Vincent Kompany bring to Burnley? Have your say in the comments!
Tommy Doyle
Having grandfathers who are club royalty, in the shape of Mike Doyle and Glyn Pardoe, Doyle was perhaps destined to break through at City. So far, he has made seven senior appearances for the club but last season saw him earn two invaluable stints out on loan.
He spent the first half of the season at German side Hamburg, although he struggled to make a big impression. He was then re-despatched to Championship side Cardiff and featured much more prominently as he scored twice in 19 outings. Capable of playing a variety of positions in midfield, Doyle's versatility could prove vital if Burnley can orchestrate a temporary deal for him.
Kayky
Brazilian teen Kayky - who City bought from Fluminense for £9million - endured a sobering introduction to English football back in October. He was a half-time substitute for City Under-21 in an EFL Trophy game at Rotherham with the score goalless.
But what followed was a harsh reality check as City ended up losing 5-0. Thankfully, the 18-year-old recovered and ended up making a couple of cameo appearances off the bench. City may plan to keep him in-house next season but a loan to a nearby club in the Championship, under the guidance of a club legend, would not be beyond the realms of possibility.
